Season preview

Self-proclaimed as the “new kid on the block,” Canyon Crest Academy matured in the San Diego Section final last season, edging Cathedral Catholic 9-8 to capture the Division I crown.

It was the program’s first championship, a year removed from a 15-3 trouncing by Coronado in the Division II final.

The Ravens’ prize?

A seat at the grown-ups table — the Open Division — which includes girls lacrosse powerhouses Poway, Torrey Pines and La Costa Canyon.

Since the sport’s inaugural season in 2002, the trio has dominated Division I and the Open Division, capturing a dozen titles combined in as many seasons. Coronado and Rancho Bernardo represent the only other programs to have reached the final in those divisions.

“The Open Division is full of strong programs. We know that from just playing in the Palomar League, and they’ll get stronger as the season progresses,” said Canyon Crest coach Rebecca Kingsbury.

“But we’re introducing a lot of new things this season. One, to evolve the program, and two, to be able to compete. If you do what you’ve always done, teams will figure out ways to counteract that.”

Retention helps, too.

The Ravens (4-1) return 85 percent of their roster, losing only one starter to graduation — captain Nicole Hickman, an all-section midfielder who tallied a team-high 58 goals and 27 assists.

A significant loss, but five matches in Canyon Crest appears capable of withstanding her departure, averaging 9.8 goals per contest.

“Something that’s gotten us in a little trouble is that we’ve been living on our wins in the past,” said senior captain Katie Carlson, a midfielder who produced 50 goals and 10 assists last season.

“We’re all excited about what we’ve accomplished and it’s given us a big confidence boost, so it’s easy to get sidetracked, but the emphasis has been on preparing for each opponent, each match and doing the things that we need to do to continue this instead of looking ahead.”

The lone stumble — a 17-4 rout — came to undefeated Air Academy of Colorado.

“Speed,” Carlson said. “Our coach always tells us that’s one thing that we’re not going to lose in a game. The hustle stats matter. We can use our speed even if we don’t have the county’s best shooters or have the county’s best stick play. We can get all the ground balls and draw controls and beat teams in transition.

“We’re going to be the ones working the hardest each day, outhustling everyone. These are the things that we can control.”